Uncommon Travel Tips from a Backpacker turned Business Traveler

10 ways to get through your cross-country commute

After more than a two years on the road, one as a backpacker and one as a business traveler, I’ve learned some things about making your business trip super chill. Business travel doesn’t have to be “Up in the Air.”

Don’t get a roller bag. A roller bag means one thing: you only travel on flat surfaces. A curb is a strong enough obstacle to derail a roller bag. You are more mobile than this. Get a backpack or duffel with shoulder straps. Plus when you inevitably quit your job to climb mountains, you will be glad you built up your leg strength. (follow my blog for inspiration).
Check your bag (when connecting). You are traveling for business, so hopefully your company will pay for the bag or you have enough status that it’s free. Avoiding the stress of trying to find an overhead compartment alone is worth it. If you are connecting between two flights you would have to do this twice. You also don’t have to worry about liquids. I have a laugh when I see middle aged businessmen, at the height of their careers, scurrying up and down the aisle trying to find that last spot to squeeze in there bag. “Sir, we’ll have to check this at the gate.” No, thank you.
Be the last one on the plane. It is a mystery to me why early boarding is a reward for the airline’s privileged elite. Do you really want to be on that plane any longer than you have to? Wifi doesn’t work while the plane is grounded. If you just sit there, everyone will board, the line will go to zero, and they might even call your name (talk about service!). Even better if there’s an airport bar nearby.
Listen to a book on tape. Airport CNN is terrible. I don’t care how much Jake Tapper knows about the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies. If you have to listen to that every morning you will ruin your brain. You also don’t want to hear every courtesy call. “Will Mr. Smith, Mr. Peter Smith please come to the nearest courtesy telephone.” Until the US follows the innovation of the silent airport, you need to shut those things out. Get a book on tape and listen to it the entire time.
Slip on shoes. Your dress shoes should be slip on. Laces are ancient technology. It’s 2016. Do you really want to be re-lacing twice a week?
Airplane: window seat. George Clooney is wrong. This should be automatic. They get up when you have to go to the bathroom. You don’t get up when they have to go to the bathroom.
Restaurant: aisle seat. If you’re at a major airport in the US and you’re a regular business traveler, you are going to run into people you know. Make it fun and choose a restaurant seat that faces the hallway of the terminal. Hold court.
Charge your shit. Start the day with a full battery. Get an external battery to give you even more power. Anker is the best.
Be unambitious with your travel productivity goals. Taking that call from the airport? Following up on that email on the plane? Try but don’t rely. Wifi may not work. Flights get delayed. Don’t be too ambitious about what else you’re going to get done during your trip. Murphy’s law of travel will prevail.
Chill and enjoy. That’s it, chill out. You’ll get there eventually. And if you find yourself in a new airport in a new city, take a moment to indulge in that unique excitement that only travel provides. Don’t ever lose that sense of adventure!

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Blog at JensMidthun.com